Beauty Guide: Maximum Mascara

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Maximum Mascara

That magic wand that turns lashes lush, recently had a brush with change. BOEY PING PING fills in an eye-opening report.

WHAT'S the secret to full, luscious, well-defined lashes? "Truly beautiful lashes are achieved only when each individual lash is defined," advises make-up maestro, Shu Uemura. But that's easier said than done when clumping is the major complaint of most mascara users.

There are two causes for clumping. One, mascara is not properly layered onto the lash. It is imperative to wait for the first layer to dry before applying the second layer. Two, clumping could be the fault of a poorly designed brush applicator.

Also, your lashes fall short of the desired length, it's hard to get your mascara to reach every lash. But the new, state-of-the-art mascara claims to do just about everything - lengthen, curl, volumise and reach even your sparse lashes. The secret is in the brush.

Estee Lauder Illusionist Intense Maximum Curling Mascara

Brush: Designed with a hollow inside, the wand is light and picks up colour pigments more readily.

Formula: The exclusive Ultra Sonic Dispersion system shrinks colour pigments to fine particles that cover more surface area on the lashes and intensifies the colour. The formula also uses lightweight crystalline waxes that don't weigh lashes down, making it curl better.

Application: Look down into a hand mirror and sweep downwards from root to tip. Then sweep upwards from root to tip covering both the top and bottom surface of the lash.

Effect: Claims to improve lash curl by 160%.

Lancome L'Extreme Waterproof Lengthening Mascara

Brush: The hi-contact brush catches every lash, even the shortest. Each lash is neatly separated, evenly coated and clearly defined. Formula: Uses an adhesive polymer, FiberStretch Complex, developed by adhesive leader, 3M to stretch lashes and create a curving effect. The formula is also enriched with Neoprefix, a water-resistant formula that holds lashes in place for a longer period.

Application: Apply from root to tip.

Effect: Acts like a hair extension for lashes, claiming up to 60% longer lashes.

L'oreal Volume Shocking Waterproof Mascara

Brush: This mascara incorporates both brush and comb to dramatise lashes. First, a criss-cross wand with an hour-glass shaped section detangles as it coats lashes with a base coat. Next, a comb with two rows of teeth combs through the lashes leaving behind a smooth trail of mascara.

Formula: Made from mother-of-pearl pigments, the silvery base-coat intensifies the depth of mascara colour while pro-vitamin B5, a staple ingredient in hair-styling products boosts lash volume. A new dispersal agent creates a more refined wax dispersal allowing you to layer on several coats minus clumps and bumps.

Application: Give the brush a slight twist to coat the lashes when you apply the silver preparation base. When the base coat is completely dry, work the mascara into the lashes from root to tip until you get the desired results.

Effect: Multiplies lash volume by supposedly 12 times to create a false eyelash effect using your own natural lashes.

Maybelline Unstoppable Mascara

Brush: The new FlexiRoll brush features more bristles, unevenly distributed to cater to every lash, long or short. Its flexible bristles follow the shape of each lash, covering its entire length all the way to the tip.

Formula: The smudge-proof, waterproof formula builds a soft, water-resistant shield around each lash that is claimed to stay put for 12 hours.

Application: Use an outward rolling motion.

Effect: Experience up to 50% longer lashes for half a day.

Shu Uemura Precise Volume Mascara Waterproof

Brush: The short bristles pull up lashes and create volume while the long bristles catch, comb and separate each lash from root to tip. The applicator's pinpoint tip deposits the right amount of mascara to allow even application to the lower lashes and tips.

Formula: Because of its gel-like properties, coats are applied in fine layers without clumping lashes together. This precision layering effect allows you to control the volume you want while the hydrophobic polymer repels tears, sweat and water.

Application: A double wiper mechanism in the applicator removes excess mascara leaving the optimal amount on the brush for precise application. Use slow, full strokes to achieve an even coat.

Effect: Coats short lashes from root to tip, delivering maximum lash volume with minimum clumping.

Tip: Unless you swim regularly or cry a lot, stick with regular mascaras rather than the waterproof version as the latter is harder to remove.

Lash lifters
Lash primers are designed to complement your mascara by laying a foundation to enhance mascara application. They coat lashes just like mascara but with a clear formula.

Lash primers help to:

protect lashes
provide an invisible layer of lushness to lashes
separate, lengthen and thicken lashes pre-mascara

For a flirty, mesmerising gaze, first curl lashes to create a sexy coil. Then apply lash primer. One coat is enough to see the desired results. Allow the lash primer to dry before finishing off with a coat of your favourite mascara.

Try: Made from naturally-derived waxes, Averine Lash Primer provides a greater base of volume and length to lashes prior to applying mascara. Perk up lazy lashes with Stila Lash Boost, an opaque primer that lengthens and thickens lashes.

Curl creator
Invest in a good eyelash curler to 'open' up your eyes. The more expensive ones have non-stick silicone pads that help to gently curl lashes while cheap metal ones can cut your lashes. Make your curlers last longer by cleaning them with a cotton pad and alcohol and replace them the moment the rubber starts cracking.

Be gentle with your lashes or you'll risk yanking them out when you remove the curler. To create a beautifully rounded curl, do a double squeeze - squeeze the upper lash gently and hold for five seconds. Move on to the middle lash and repeat the process.

Tip: Always curl your eyelashes before applying mascara. Curling afterwards can cause lashes to stick to the curlers and break off when you release it.

[via The Star Online - Clove]